Exploring the Life and Legacy of Rev. John Stout, NASA's Chaplain and WWII Veteran

Unraveling the Story of Rev. John Stout

A Journey Like No Other

In the cosmic tapestry of American history, few narratives are as compelling as that of Rev. John Maxwell Stout. His extraordinary life as a NASA chaplain, missionary, and decorated WWII veteran weaves a rich thread, reflecting the intricacies of faith, science, and perseverance. Written by Oklahoma author and journalist Carol Mersch, the book 'Undaunted' takes readers through the ups and downs of Stout's journey, culminating in an audacious quest to bring the Holy Bible to the lunar surface.

This saga began in 2006 when Mersch, a long-time friend of Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, discovered an astonishing fact: Mitchell had carried the first Holy Bible on the moon during his mission. This revelation sparked Mersch's investigation into Stout’s life and efforts with the Apollo Prayer League, a worldwide community of NASA employees and believers who aimed to facilitate the landing of a Bible on the moon. Stout's vision turned into reality when Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell successfully took a packet of microfilm Bibles on board during the historic mission in 1971.

The Birth of the Lunar Bible

The microfilm scriptures, delicately sized at just over 1.5” x 1.5”, contained the complete text of the King James Bible—1,245 pages and 773,746 words—a remarkable feat achieved by NCR in 1966. The project not only highlighted Stout's significant involvement with NASA, where he oversaw aspects of the Saturn V rockets, but also reaffirmed his unwavering faith. This connection ultimately intertwined theological ambitions with the spirit of exploration.

In his pivotal role as the chaplain for the Apollo astronauts, Stout bridged the gap between science and spirituality, creating bonds with astronauts like Mitchell and other notable figures such as George H.W. Bush and Walter Cronkite. His educational background was equally impressive, holding six degrees in various fields and a PhD in Linguistics, he contributed to discussions about faith and destiny in space, influencing generations of space pioneers.

The Unfolding Tragedy

However, the story of Rev. John Stout extends beyond celestial aspirations. In 2010, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) made a devastating error, seizing Stout and his ailing wife Helen from their modest apartment. Mistakenly deemed indigent and living in clutter, the Stouts' property was ravaged, and numerous personal and historical artifacts were discarded, including some of the precious ‘Lunar Bibles’ that had allegedly been carried to the moon. This incident led to a long, drawn-out legal battle that would continue for years, raising serious questions about elder abuse and negligence.

A Systematic Betrayal

Reports indicate that the Stouts were treated like prisoners within a Medicaid nursing home, deprived of communication and contact with the outside world. The severity of their situation came to light through Mersch’s relentless pursuit of their story, exposing a system that failed to honor the stature of a decorated veteran who had contributed to American space exploration. Mersch had just completed her interviews with the couple when DADS disregarded their rights, effectively isolating them from their legacy.

Legal defenses mounted after Stout’s artifacts, including the Lunar Bibles, were determined to belong to Faith Presbyterian Church, a small congregation where Stout was a substitute pastor and the Director of the Apollo Prayer League. Despite the overwhelming evidence of mistreatment, political inaction compounded the suffering of the Stouts, leading to frustrations voiced by community members and extensive media coverage.

The Legacy Lives On

Though the Stouts faced an agonizing conclusion, with both passing away deprived of their history and possessions, their legacy is far from forgotten. Mersch’s 'Undaunted' serves not only as a chronicle of Stout's remarkable journey but also as a poignant reminder of the resilience of faith in the face of adversity and the ongoing quest for justice. As the probate case regarding the artifacts stretches into years without resolution, it signals an urgent call for action to preserve not just artifacts but the very stories and histories they represent.

Available through multiple outlets including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Pen-L Publishing, 'Undaunted' offers readers an eye-opening depiction of the intersections between faith, the cosmos, and the relentless human spirit. As millions of dollars worth of significant items linger in a courthouse safe, it remains to be seen how history will ultimately treat the legacy of Rev. John Stout and the brave endeavors undertaken in pursuit of the heavens.